8 Best Red Dot Sights For Glock 17 Gen 3 of 2026 That Hold Zero

1

Ade RD3-013 Red Dot Reflex Sight for Glock MOS 17

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• ARS Mark

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  9.5
• Brand
  Ade Advanced Optics

Key specs1

Optic Compatibility

Engineered for Glock MOS slide configurations across models 17, 19, 34, 35, 40, and 41. Factory Gen 3 Glock slides without factory optic milling require an aftermarket slide or plate adapter.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Open reflex sight window provides an unobstructed aiming view for Glock pistol shooters
• Configured specifically to match factory Glock MOS slide mounting cuts
• Compatible across multiple Glock models including 17, 19, 34, 35, 40, and 41

Cons

• Requires an MOS slide cut or adapter plate since standard Gen 3 slides lack optic cuts
• Listing specifies no motion-activation sensors or secondary solar backup power

2

HOLOSUN HS407C X2 Red 2 MOA Dot Open Reflex Sight

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  8.1
• Brand
  HOLOSUN

Key specs2

Power Management

Combines onboard battery power with Solar Failsafe backup and Shake-Awake motion activation, maintaining reticle readiness without manual button presses.

Reticle Size

2 MOA Red Dot

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Solar Failsafe maintains aiming point illumination even if battery power fails
• Shake-Awake motion sensor automatically activates the optic when drawn
• Precise 2 MOA red dot reticle enables fine target alignment on full-size pistols
• Durable aluminum housing withstands demanding slide cycling and handling

Cons

• Requires an RMR footprint cut or dovetail mounting adapter on standard Gen 3 slides
• Does not include an adapter plate or installation mounting hardware in the box

3

RMT S2 5 MOA Foldable Red Dot Reflex Sight Set

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  7.8
• Brand
  Gotical

Key specs1

Mounting Versatility

• Bundles a dedicated Glock mounting base
• Includes a 20mm Picatinny rail clamp
• Foldable objective lens design

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Foldable reflex lens collapses flat when holstered or not actively in use
• Bundles a dedicated Glock mounting base alongside a standard 20mm Picatinny rail clamp
• 5 MOA red dot allows quick target acquisition at close defensive ranges
• Integrated power-saving function helps preserve operating battery life

Cons

• Folding mechanical hinge adds a moving joint that requires regular tension verification
• Broader 5 MOA dot reticle covers more target area during precision distance shooting

4

TSA® Rear Sight Dovetail Red Dot Optic Mount Plate for

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  8.6
• Brand
  TSA

Key specs2

Footprint Fitment

Engineered specifically for micro optics matching the Shield RMSc footprint, such as Holosun 407K, 507K, EPS Carry, and Sig Romeo Zero.

Slide Milling Required

No (Dovetail Mount)

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Installs directly into standard Glock dovetails without requiring expensive slide milling
• Broad compatibility covers Glock 17, 19, and 19X models across Generations 1 through 5
• Engineered to fit micro RMSc footprint optics including Holosun 407K, 507K, and Shield RMSc
• Includes required mounting screws and a T10 installation wrench in the package

Cons

• Restricted to compact RMSc optics and will not fit full-sized RMR footprint sights
• Removes the factory rear iron sight, eliminating standard lower-third co-witnessing

5

TruGlo Tritium Pro Glow-in-the-Dark Compact Gun Hunting Glock Pistol Sight

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  8.0
• Brand
  TRUGLO

Key specs2

Illumination Source

Tritium (Battery-Free)

Sight Configuration

Operates as a self-powered compact night sight set using tritium glow elements, serving as standalone low-light irons or backup sighting.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Self-illuminating tritium vials glow continuously in dark environments without batteries
• Compact low-profile steel body resists snagging on holsters and clothing during presentation
• Installs into standard factory Glock slide dovetails without modification

Cons

• Traditional notch and post iron sight design lacks a projected electronic reflex dot
• Fixed alignment requires traditional front sight focus rather than single-plane targeting

6

TSA® Red Dot Optic Sight Green 3 MOA Dot –

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  9.2
• Brand
  TSA

Key specs2

Battery Access

Features a top-accessible battery tray that lets you change power cells without dismounting the sight housing from the slide.

Reticle Specifications

• 3 MOA dot size
• High-visibility green illumination
• Motion-activated Shake Awake

Pros & cons42

Pros

• High-contrast green 3 MOA reticle provides excellent daytime acquisition
• Top-access battery tray allows quick power cell swaps without dismounting the optic
• Shake Awake technology powers on the emitter instantly upon detecting movement
• Standard RMR footprint includes an adapter plate for Glock MOS and 20mm Picatinny rails

Cons

• Included adapter targets MOS slides, so standard Gen 3 slides require an RMR dovetail plate
• Green reticle illumination may not match preferences of shooters accustomed to red dots

7

TruGlo Fiber Optic Handgun Glock Pistol Laser Sight Accessories with

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  7.1
• Brand
  TRUGLO

Key specs2

Aiming System

Utilizes a three-dot fiber optic configuration that draws available ambient light into bright colored reference dots on Glock 17 slides.

Power Requirement

None (Passive Fiber Optics)

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Fiber optic light pipes collect ambient daylight to illuminate front and rear aiming dots
• TRIDOT sight arrangement provides clear alignment for Glock 17 and Glock 17L slides
• Completely passive optical sighting system operates reliably with zero battery maintenance

Cons

• Fiber optic tubes rely on ambient lighting and cannot illuminate in total pitch darkness
• Lacks the single-focal-plane speed advantages of a projected reflex red dot sight

8

XS SIGHTS 3-Dot Tritium Night Sights, Fits Glock Gen 1

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  7.2
• Brand
  XS Sight Systems

Key specs2

Front Sight Visibility

Combines self-luminous tritium with a photoluminescent orange dot ring to maximize front sight acquisition in any lighting.

Night Sighting Method

3-Dot Tritium and Photoluminescent

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dual-illuminated orange front ring combines glowing tritium with photoluminescent paint
• High-visibility orange front dot stands out sharply against cluttered daytime backgrounds
• Compatible across Glock generations from Gen 1 through Gen 5 including MOS models

Cons

• Listing specifies Glock 42/43/43X/48, requiring confirmation of slide dovetail width on a 17
• Provides conventional 3-dot iron sighting rather than an electronic red dot reflex view

Last update on 2026-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Can you mount a red dot on a Glock 17 Gen 3 without milling the slide?

Yes, you can install a red dot optic onto a factory Glock 17 Gen 3 slide without machining by using a rear sight dovetail adapter plate. Plates such as the TSA rear sight dovetail optic mount slide directly into the standard Glock rear dovetail slot, creating a secure base for RMSc footprint sights like the Holosun 407K, 507K, EPS Carry, and Shield RMSc. Some sights, including the RMT S2 foldable reflex sight, include a dedicated Glock mount base that attaches without modifying the factory slide.

Which optic footprint fits the Holosun HS407C X2 and TSA reflex sights?

The Holosun HS407C X2 and the TSA green dot optic use an RMR footprint. The TSA green 3 MOA dot sight includes an adapter plate compatible with Glock MOS 17 Gen 3 through Gen 5 patterns along with a standard 20mm Picatinny mount. For a non-MOS Gen 3 pistol, an RMR-pattern optic requires either an RMR dovetail plate or direct slide milling, while micro reflex sights fit the RMSc footprint found on dedicated dovetail plates.

Will a dovetail-mounted red dot hold zero under 9mm slide recoil?

A dovetail mount will hold zero under continuous slide cycling when installed with the correct screw torque and thread locker. Unlike configuring a long gun such as the best gun for quick scope setups with rigid receiver rails, a pistol optic endures severe reciprocating shock with every shot. Using aluminum housings like the Holosun HS407C X2 or TSA reflex sights paired with a tight-fitting dovetail base prevents lateral shift and keeps your reticle aligned.

How do you keep optic mounting screws from loosening on a Gen 3 Glock?

You prevent loose mounting screws by verifying proper screw length, degreasing the threads, and applying medium-strength thread locker before tightening. Screws that are too long will bottom out against the slide or interfere with internal components, while screws that are too short will strip under slide velocity. Verify that the optic sits flat against the mounting plate without rocking before you torque the included fasteners into place.

What illumination features keep a pistol red dot ready for defensive use?

Motion-sensing activation and solar power backup ensure an optic remains powered without fumbling with buttons during a draw. The Holosun HS407C X2 provides Shake-Awake functionality and a Solar Failsafe system that powers the 2 MOA red dot using ambient light if the battery drains. The TSA green 3 MOA optic also incorporates shake-awake activation and a top battery tray, while folding sights like the RMT S2 use an internal power-saving function when closed.

Can you keep backup iron sights when using a dovetail red dot mount?

No, standard dovetail adapter plates occupy the rear sight slot, requiring the complete removal of your factory rear iron sight. While standalone sight sets like TruGlo Tritium Pro, TruGlo fiber optic sets, or XS SIGHTS 3-dot tritium night sights provide excellent visibility on a bare slide, they cannot share the dovetail slot with an optic plate. If you rely on a dovetail-mounted optic, choosing sights with redundant power features like solar backup ensures continuous aiming capability.